THE EXCRETION OF GLUCURONIC ACID AND OF ACID MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDES IN NORMAL HUMAN URINE 1

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Abstract
The mean 24-hour excretion of glucuronic acid in normal human urine was 345 mg [plus or minus] 44 (S. D. ) in white females and 391 mg [plus or minus] 56 in white males. There is no significant difference between the 2 values. The mean 24-hour excretion of acid mucopolysaccharides (expressed as glucuronic acid after hydrolysis) in normal human urine was 3. 0 mg [plus or minus] 0. 6 (S. D. ) in white females and 4. 9 mg [plus or minus] 1. 3 in white males. The difference between the 2 values was significant (p= < 0. 01). Prostatic massage did not increase the amount of the material in urine. The material was present in urine obtained from the renal pelvis of one patient and thus was not derived to any significant degree in that patient from structures lower in the urinary tract. The urinary excretion of acid mucopolysaccharides by humans was markedly increased by the ingestion of 5 g of glucuronolactone daily for several days. Chromatographic studies of a further purified fraction of acid mucopolysaccharides from normal human urine showed the major component of the fraction to have the same Rf value as chondroitin sulfate and to produce a single spot when mixed with chondroitin sulfate, in a single solvent system.